Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1735

Caption

Relating to the repeal of certain obsolete laws governing state pensions and other similar benefits.

Impact

If enacted, SB1735 will remove several sections from the Texas Revised Statutes and various acts of previous legislatures, essentially purging obsolete references that clutter the legal code. The specific sections being repealed date back to legislative sessions as early as the 1930s, and their removal is expected to simplify state law regarding pensions. This change reflects an ongoing effort to ensure that state laws are relevant and functional for contemporary governance and do not contain provisions that no longer serve a legal or practical purpose.

Summary

SB1735, introduced in the Texas Legislature, addresses the repeal of certain outdated laws that govern state pensions and related benefits. The bill specifically targets laws pertaining to pensions for Confederate veterans, veterans of the Texas Revolution, and certain Texas Rangers who served prior to 1947. The legislature found these statutes to be obsolete and no longer relevant to current legal or social contexts. The intent of the bill is to modernize Texas laws by eliminating provisions that are no longer applicable, thereby streamlining the state's legislative framework around pensions and benefits.

Sentiment

The reception of SB1735 has been largely positive, with support coming from both sides of the aisle in the legislature, evidenced by unanimous votes in both the Senate and the House. The bipartisan agreement indicates that there is widespread acknowledgement of the need to update the legal framework and eliminate outdated statutes. However, while the bill is essentially uncontroversial in the current legislative environment, there may be concerns among some groups regarding the implications for veterans' benefits, albeit such concerns were not prominently voiced during discussions or votes.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB1735 involves the historical context of the laws being repealed, particularly those that pertain to Confederate veterans and their descendants. While the bill aims to modernize and streamline state laws, some stakeholders may feel uneasy about the historical significance of these provisions. Nonetheless, the legislative intent appears focused on clarity and relevance, with a goal of removing unnecessary legal complexities rather than impacting veterans' rights or benefits negatively.

Companion Bills

TX HB2850

Relating to the repeal of certain obsolete laws governing state pensions and other similar benefits.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.